Afghanistan: Kidnapped aid worker released after weeks of captivity

Judith D'Souza on her return to Delhi this weekend Twitter / Sushma Swaraj`

A kidnapped Catholic aid worker has been released after more than a month in captivity.

Judith D'Souza, from Calcutta, India was a humanitarian worker in Afghanistan before she was captured on June 9. But the Indian foreign minister broke the news of her return to Delhi with a tweet on Saturday.

Sushma Swaraj thanked the Afghan government for their cooperation.

D'Souza was kidnapped in Qala-e-Fatullah in Kabul, on her way home after a dinner with friends.

Investigators initially believed a terrorist group was responsible but now suspect a criminal gang that captured her in exchange for ransom. It is not known whether any sum was paid for D'Souza's release.

D'Souza had worked for the NGO Aga Khan Network as a technical advisor and promoted the role of women in Afghanistan.

Family members thanked the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, having pleaded with him to do everything possible to ensure her release.

D'Souza's brother Jerome tweeted: "Judith has been rescued by the government. Our family's joy knows no bounds. Gratitude to @PMOIndia @SushmaSwaraj @VohraManpreet [Indian ambassador to Afghanistan]."

As well as D'Souza's family, the Archbishop of Calcutta, Msgr Thomas D'Souza also gathered support, arranged prayer vigils and arranged for Catholics to write to the government to ask for her release.

related articles
Protests over police shootings continue, arrests made
Protests over police shootings continue, arrests made

Protests over police shootings continue, arrests made

India: two Christians and a baby among the dead in police shoot-out
India: two Christians and a baby among the dead in police shoot-out

India: two Christians and a baby among the dead in police shoot-out

Catholic Church in India should end \'silence\' over kidnapped Dalit bishop, say critics
Catholic Church in India should end 'silence' over kidnapped Dalit bishop, say critics

Catholic Church in India should end 'silence' over kidnapped Dalit bishop, say critics

India: Three Christians severely beaten by suspected Hindu extremists

India: Three Christians severely beaten by suspected Hindu extremists

News
The first Christmas song to be sung in churches
The first Christmas song to be sung in churches

Every Christmas, people sing the song “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night”. Unlike many other songs and carols that include elements of non-biblical tradition and myth, this song is pure Scripture. It was the first Christmas song authorised to be sung in the Church of England. This is the story …

The story of the Christmas Truce of 1914
The story of the Christmas Truce of 1914

On Christmas Eve in 1914, many men were in the trenches fighting the war, but the spirit of Christmas halted the conflict for a brief period. This is the story …

Report highlights injustices experienced by Christians in the Holy Land
Report highlights injustices experienced by Christians in the Holy Land

Jerusalem Church leaders have released a report detailing the struggles and challenges currently faced be Christians living in the Holy Land.

Have you lost the wonder of Christmas?
Have you lost the wonder of Christmas?

For you who have been followers of Jesus Christ for a long time, maybe the pain and suffering of this world and the darkness you have had to live through this past year has gotten you down to the point of complete and utter discouragement. But all is not lost.